STIGMA STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
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STRIKE OUT
STIGMA
TOOLKIT 2022
WWW.EYETOEYENATIONAL.ORG/STRIKEOUTSTIGMA2022
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA
Every year, Strike Out Stigma aims to raise awareness, acceptance, and
understanding of learning differences by amplifying the voices of people that
learn differently and their allies.
We are challenging you to spread awareness throughout the month of March
by sharing experiences, challenging assumptions, rejecting stereotypes, and
spreading information! Our active community movement can change the
conversation around learning differences and remove social and systemic
barriers!
When is Strike Out Stigma month?
This year Strike Out Stigma is March 1st through March 31st!
What does striking out stigma actually mean?
What would it mean if we could instill awareness around learning differences? It would break
the stigma surrounding those who learn differently. It would create a safe space where a
student could say, “I really think I could learn better if I just had this.” No one should feel
ashamed to ask for what they need to learn, grow, and pursue their goals.
Owning your learning difference, then speaking it loud and proud, is the first step in breaking
the stigma. Eye to Eye is an organization for people who learn differently by people who learn
differently. And we believe that one of the most powerful things you can do is share your own
story or the story of someone you love.
When we don’t share our stories or raise awareness, when we keep silent, we lose students.
It’s not a small number of students, either. According to the Department of Education, 2.5
million students have been identified with specific learning disabilities; as many as 6 million
with ADHD. Still more have not been identified and don’t get the support they need. When you
share your truth, you help a student feel seen, heard, and understood. You tell them they’re
not alone. They start to see their future and their potential in a whole new way.
Learning differences? Don’t you mean disabilities?
Eye to Eye uses the term learning differences to encompass specifically-diagnosed learning
disabilities (LD) and attention disorders (i.e. ADHD) as well as areas of executive functioning.
At Eye to Eye, we’re working to eliminate the stigma of learning disabilities and attention
disorders by reframing and celebrating them as the learning differences that they are.
I’m in! What’s next?
Check out all of the activities on the following pages to learn how you can spread awareness,
strengthen bonds between the community of folks who learn differently, connect with the Eye
to Eye community, and make your voice heard!
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 2
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA HELP RAISE AWARENESS EVERY DAY!
Participating in Strike Out Stigma Month:
Community Engagement:
Sign and display the attached Pledge to Strike Out Stigma.
Create a poster or flag using the Eye to Eye template then hang it in your window or in the
community.
Create empowering messages to the community on the sidewalk, driveway, etc. in chalk and take a
photo of it (i.e. “LD Proud to Be”).
Play the Strike out Stigma bowling at home version (instructions here).
Online Engagement:
Take the pledge to Strike Out Stigma at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022!
Do you know a middle school student who learns differently? Encourage them to complete
Learning Differently 101 for Students during Strike Out Stigma month.
Email or call a teacher/professor and talk to them about learning differences in the workplace and
how they work with students with learning differences.
Create an LD/ADHD stigma fighting meme.
Create an LD/ADHD stigma fighting TikTok.
Follow Eye to Eye on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Post on social media about stigma (see pages 7-8)
Update your social media cover photos with these graphics.
Share your story on social media and tag Eye to Eye (IG: @e2enational, FB: @eyetoeyenational, TW:
E2ENational, #StrikeOutStigmonth).
Follow your member of Congress on social media and tweet at them using #standwithLD
and tag @ncld.org.
Sign up for the NCLD newsletter to learn about advocacy opportunities and follow them on
Facebook and Twitter.
Sign up for Understood.org’s newsletter or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
Sign up for Eye to Eye’s newsletter and forward them to friends and family members curious about
learning differences.
Create a Facebook fundraiser in honor of Eye to Eye.
Contact local radio and TV stations and ask them to air our sample PSA (see page 4).
Get Eye to Eye on your school’s social media or in your local newspaper (see page 7).
Film a video about why you’re passionate about learning differences and a time when you
experienced stigma (under 5 minutes).
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 3
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sample PSA scripts:
15 seconds:
This month is Strike Out Stigma Month, a month devoted to eliminating the stigma associated
with learning differences. Did you know 1 in 5 people have learning differences, including
Steven Spielberg, Richard Branson, Jewell Loyd, and Lisa Ling? Students who learn differently
often face both academic and social challenges. However, with the right strategies and sup-
port, we can help them unlock their strengths and thrive in school and in life. Learn more at
eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022.
30 seconds:
This month is Strike Out Stigma Month, a month devoted to eliminating the stigma associated
with learning differences. Did you know that 1 in 5 people in the US has a learning difference
like dyslexia or ADHD? Chances are, you know someone who learns differently! While learn-
ing and attention issues may not be as visible as other health issues, they’re just as real. By
setting high expectations for students who learn differently and ensuring they have the right
supports from parents, educators and the community, we can propel them to thrive in school
and in life. Learn more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022.
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 4
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Radio stations are especially receptive to airing PSAs, and are easiest to produce -- all you
need is to write a script that the radio DJ can read. Cable operators like Cox, Comcast, and
Verizon and your local community cable station are often willing to create a spot with you, if
they can place their own logo on the PSA, too.
Record your PSA:
Recording can be done in person with any digital audio recorder. The overall recording pro-
cess should take no more than 10 minutes but be sure to get several takes. Once you have
the audio you will need a computer program to clean it up, removing any “ums,” stumbles or
deep breaths. If you need help, try a local ad agency or radio station.
Submit to local stations:
Most stations accept PSAs only via email as an attached MP3 audio file. PSAs are often sub-
mitted to a group of stations, for example, Clear Channel DC takes submissions for all 11
stations it manages. When submitting a PSA, always include the script, since some stations
may choose to record the PSA with their own on-air personalities. Your script should include
an email address, phone number or website. Most stations need about three weeks lead time
before running a PSA. Be sure to include your preferred air dates, but recognize that most
stations can’t provide you with an exact time when your PSA will be aired.
Who to Contact:
TV
Contact the broadcast affiliate and independent station in the media market (city, town, or
area) where you live. These are stations that are the local affiliates for NBC, ABC, CBS, and
Fox. They each do their own local news and has airtime that they can choose to fill with public
service advertising.
Speak to: Public or Community Affairs Director, General Manager
Cable
Cable can provide various opportunities for public service advertising. Start with the company
on your cable bill, and look to contact all the cable systems in your area.
Speak to: Advertising or Marketing Director, General Manager
Radio
Radio stations are generally formatted for a very specific audience. To achieve the greatest
success, contact the radio stations that speak to parents and guardians, community leaders,
and those who are in the education community. Also know that news and talk stations are
typically the most supportive of public service advertising.
Speak to: Public or Community Affairs Director, General Manager
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 5
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA SAMPLE LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Below is a sample letter to the editor you can adapt and share with your local
or school newspaper.
To [insert either the editor’s name or write “To the editor”]
March is Eye to Eye’s Strike Out Stigma Month. In the United States 1 in every 5 stu-
dents has a learning disability like dyslexia and ADHD. Most students diagnosed with
learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence. They simply learn
differently and need specialized support to succeed.
People don’t “outgrow” learning disabilities. However, they have a good chance of
success when given the right support. Learning disabilities are just learning differ-
ences that require flexibility in instruction. Research has found that many traditional
teaching methods like lectures, textbook activities, and handouts do not meet the
needs of all students. Students who learn differently need a variety of learning mate-
rials, tools, and support to meaningfully link coursework to learning.
In addition, many people who learn differently also struggle with social skills. Some
have trouble reading body language. Others find it hard to follow conversations or
to control their impulsive behavior. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness and
build a supportive community.
I hope you will visit the Strike Out Stigma page at Eye to Eye https://eyetoeyenational.
org/StrikeOutStigma2022, to learn more about learning differences and ways to
participate including taking the pledge to strike out stigma, and consider featuring a
story in your publication this month.
Thank you,
[insert your name here]
[insert town/neighborhood/community]
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 6
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA SOCIAL MEDIA
Using Social Media to Raise Awareness
Social media is a great tool to break stigma and debunk myths around learning differences far
and wide. Here are some easy ways you can use social media to raise awareness this month:
Download social media images from eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 and
feature them throughout the month on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram.
Like and share posts from Eye to Eye’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram feeds
throughout the month.
Tag Eye to Eye with your awareness posts throughout the month and use the hashtags
#StrikeOutStigmonth or #LDProudToBe.
Sample posts to get you started!
It’s Strike Out Stigma Month! 1 in 5 students in the U.S. has a learning
difference like dyslexia and ADHD. Join us in striking out the stigma
associated with learning differently. Visit eyetoyenational.org/
StrikeOutStigma2022 to learn more! #StrikeOutStigmonth
This month, I’m proud to pledge to strike out the stigma associated with
learning differences. Visit eyetoyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 to
learn more! #StrikeOutStigmonth
It’s Strike Out Stigma Month. Help raise awareness and eliminate
stigma surrounding learning differences. www.eyetoyenational.org/
StrikeOutStigma2022 #StrikeOutStigmonth
1 in 5 students in the U.S. has a learning difference like #dyslexia
and #ADHD. Pledge to strike out stigma around learning differently.
Learn more: www.eyetoyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022
#StrikeOutStigmonth
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 7
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA Social Media Graphics
Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Tweets
posts
Facebook Cover
Facebook/Instagram
Story post
Twitter Cover
LinkedIn Cover
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 8
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA Statistics
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 9
STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA Show us and win prizes!
Submit Your Completed Activities for a Chance to Win fun prizes!
Send us a picture, screenshot, or video of you completing Strike Out Stigma activities! The more actions
you submit, the more chances you have at winning!
Instructions:
Email us your completed activities at mentoring@eyetoeyenational.org
In the body of the email list your:
1) First and last name
2) Description of the action you are submitting
3) Attach your picture or screenshot!
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 10STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA Strike Out Stigma Bowling
Art Project Description
Understand what stigma is, how it relates
to our lives as people with LDs, and why
it is important to fight by creating bowling
pins that represent stigma and bowling
balls which represent your strengths and
ways you can combat stigma (or strike out
stigma).
Special Materials Needed:
Bowling Pins: 12 plastic cups are
needed or you can tape paper into cylin-
ders
Balls: paper rolled up into a ball
Photos to Take:
Show us your moves! We want to see you strike out stigma!!
Introduction
Stigma is a negative feeling that people have about something. People usually have this feeling when
they think something is unfair or when they don’t really understand it.
Brainstorm:
Has there ever been a time that you thought something was unfair? How did that make you feel?
EXAMPLE: “When I was in school all my friends thought it was unfair that I got extra time on my tests,
they had stigma towards me because they didn’t understand why I needed extra time”
The best way to fight stigma is to help people understand more about what they have stigma about.
Create:
Tape 2 cups together or roll construction paper into a “cylinder” and tape it together to make a
bowling pin (do this six times)
Write what it is that people don’t understand about LDs/ADHD on the bowling pins.
TIP: If using paper, this is easier to do when the paper is flat rather than rolled!
Make a ball out of whatever art supplies you want
Write what you could say to that person on the ball
Decorate the pin and the balls!
Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 11STRIKE OUT TOOLKIT 2022
STIGMA Strike Out Stigma Bowling
Set up:
Play:
Set up your bowling pins so they looks similar to the picture above
Try to knock over the pins
Reflect
Think of one way you will advocate for LDs/ADHD in the face of stigma from now on.
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Find more at eyetoeyenational.org/StrikeOutStigma2022 Page 12STRIKE OUT
STIGMA
PLEDGE TO STRIKE OUT STIGMA
PLEDGOR NAME
By signing my name below, I pledge to strike out the stigma sur-
rounding learning differences by:
Understanding what it Spreading awareness Avoiding using Calling out stereotypes
means to learn differently by sharing experiences, stigmatizing language and stigma whenever I
stories and information like “lazy” “stupid” “slow” hear it
“troublemaker” or “ADHD
moment”
Signed DateYou can also read
